Realistically, the majority of kids in the state (or country) do not walk to school. Most don’t even walk to a dedicated bus stop which is why it takes 18 years to get to work if you don’t time your commute perfectly in the winter and you don’t live in a city.

Second, there are going to be pros and cons to every decision (including keeping things the same). In the days after we lose the hour of sleep, statistically speaking, you have a greater chance to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than at any other time of year. There are also other things to consider such as seasonal affective disorder which affects millions of Americans annually and may be significantly mitigated by having more daylight hours in the winter.